The Tigers’ starting pitching is excellent, no doubt. But come on, it’s not like they can just pluck a minor leaguer out of the bushes and keep rolling.

Oh, wait. Here was a kid that few had seen, and might not see again anytime soon. His name is Jose Alvarez, and for his outstanding effort in his major league debut, he wins a free trip back to Toledo. That’s how it works these days in the Tigers’ loaded rotation — no cracks, no openings.

At this rate, with this pitching, the Tigers might clinch the division by the Fourth of July and spend the rest of the summer fishing (for a closer). Alvarez was so good as the Tigers beat the Indians, 4-1, Sunday to complete a sweep, he earned a beer-and-pop postgame shower from teammates. He stepped in to give Anibal Sanchez a one-start rest and might as well have been Anibal Alvarez, not allowing a hit until two outs in the fifth — gasp, a Ryan Raburn home run.

Before we hyperventilate on hyperbole, it should be noted the Indians have lost seven straight and knew nothing about the 24-year-old left-hander. Alvarez’s change-up was stifling, and his poise and control were remarkable. He gave up three hits and one walk in six innings and struck out seven, and showed if anyone else needs a break, there’s an arm available.

“Now we know we got somebody to come up here who isn’t gonna get stage fright, that’s for sure,” manager Jim Leyland said. “I thought his mound presence was terrific. He didn’t appear to be overwhelmed by anything. I have no idea if he even knows how many people were here today.”